New Sayings
Romans 12:6-8 ESV
Colossians 3:23 ESV
Romans 12, I Corinthians 12:4-11 and 28, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Hebrews 2:4, Acts 2:22, Acts 19:11-12, Acts 3:6, Acts 6:8, Acts 8:6-7, and Matthew 24:4-5 (Gifts of the Spirit)
Romans 14:12 ESV
Be Adulting is a new saying that refers to our level of responsibility.
In other words…own it.
In particular, in relation to believers, own it for God.
Romans 12:6-8 tells us, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
The interesting thing about owning the gifts God gives us is really organic.
Allow me to explain. I’ve known people who have studied the gifts God gives and they decided they wanted to have a gift just because they wanted it. Let’s say, they decided they want the gift of prophecy. Secretly, part of the reason they decided they wanted the gift of prophecy is because people would come to them seeking an audience so they could ask if the Lord had a word of prophecy for them.
In other words, they wanted that gift because they thought having the gift of prophecy would be exciting.
I hate to disappoint, but that’s not at all how the gifts of the Spirit work.
God chooses the gifts we receive. It’s been my experience that when we turn to God, the gifts God the Spirit are assigned at that time.
So every believer has gifts…probably multiple gifts. It’s not a gift you can hang on a wall and occasionally look at as you pass by. They are great gifts that are meant to be used.
In Colossians 3:23 the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, Turkey, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Paul made it clear that the gifts we are given carry a responsibility. The responsibility isn’t utilized so men and women will see your gifts. God gave the gifts and we work for God.
It’s been my experience that some people have difficulty identifying their gifts. Identification your gifts comes about by being mindful of all of the gifts. It is sometimes helpful to make a list or if you are a visual person, name and write each gift on a sticky note and put then in a place where you see them often.
Pray about your gift, asking God to show you what He has given you.
When identifying characteristics, it’s always easier to eliminate the ones you know you do not have (when you pray ask God to give you a sense about what gifts you do not have and ask friends or family who are believers to pray for you as well). You will need to take time to listen. Be silent.
Eliminate the gifts you know you do not have.
Gifts from the Spirit are found in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12:4-11 and 28. More information about gifts can be found in Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 2:12 and Hebrews 2:4, Acts 2:22, Acts 19:11-12, Acts 3:6, Acts 6:8, Acts 8:6-7, and Matthew 24:4-5.
Pay particular attention to the gifts you do not have because that is a clue. If you do not sense you have the gift of discernment, surround yourself with others who have that gift.
God gives gifts intentionally that are suited to how you are called to serve.
Your personality will give you clues as well. For example is you are the kind of person who is trusting and loving to others, but you do not believe you have the gift of discernment (discerning spirits) surround yourself with others who have the gift of discernment.
If you aren’t sure how to do that, pray about it and ask God to show you the way or the person who can help you.
Once again, listening to God helps.
I know I say this a lot but in order to hear well, you need silence. Turn off the noise. Find a secluded spot, pray and wait. God speaks to all of us in different ways. Some hear an inner voice, others get a strong feeling or an urgency about a particular subject. Still others see a visual picture (a vision). However God speaks to you or will speak to you, giving God your full attention is paramount.
Romans 14:12 tells is, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Knowing God and the voice of God along your journey will make all the difference!
Spiritual Practice: Listen
Rest. Sit in silence. Be aware of the movement of the Spirit. Listen for the voice of shod.
In God, Deborah
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